The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says money would be used to upgrade facilities and programs to ensure students’ academic success.

Cut 12 (11) “…opportunity to succeed.”

The money is being redirected from other grants, mostly from the government’s Hispanic-Serving Institution program.

The Federal Reserve dropped interest rates by a quarter point this week but that doesn’t mean consumers’ interest rates are dropping. LSU Professor of finance, Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), says the Fed sets the interest rates that impact the rates that banks charge to borrow from one another.

Cut 14 (10) “…by credit risk.”

Jefferson Parish is the first parish in Louisiana to receive a Class 3 flood protection rating from FEMA, which means a larger flood insurance premium discount for thousands in unincorporated parts of the parish. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada this week with state and local tourism officials trying to promote travel to Louisiana, but he’s finding Canadians are not interested in leisure trips to the United States because of President Trump’s previous statements and actions.

Cut 4 (08) “…the tariffs.”

This week, the Fed dropped interest rates by a quarter point and indicated that there may be two more rate cuts by the end of the year. So what does that mean for consumers like you and me? Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says if you’re hoping that the rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the rate cut.”

Homes and businesses located in unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish are receiving a 35-percent discount on their flood insurance premiums when their policies renew after October 1^st. Maggie Talley, Jefferson Parish’s director of floodplain management and hazard mitigation, says thousands of policyholders are receiving this big discount because FEMA has recognized the parish’s flood mitigation efforts.

Cut 7 (07) “…35-percent savings.”

Parish officials say the bigger discount will save residents over 12-million dollars a year.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada trying to drum up travel back to Louisiana, but he’s finding it difficult. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says that’s over and above the funding the schools received in the previous fiscal year, and part of that money would go towards the Title Three program.

Cut 10 (12) “…other services.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada trying to drum up travel back to Louisiana, but he’s finding it difficult. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Jefferson Parish is the first parish in Louisiana to receive a Class 3 flood protection rating from FEMA, which means a larger flood insurance premium discount for thousands in unincorporated parts of the parish. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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This week, the Fed cut interest rates by a quarter point. What does that mean for consumers like you and me? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Canada this week with state and local tourism officials trying to promote travel to Louisiana, but he’s finding Canadians are not interested in leisure trips to the United States because of President Trump’s previous statements and actions.

Cut 4 (08) “…the tariffs.”

Canada is Louisiana’s largest international tourism market. In 2024, the state welcomed an estimated 185-thousand visitors from Canada, and Canadians spent nearly 194-million dollars in the Bayou State. But Nungesser says this year, they’ve seen a decline in travel by Canadians to Louisiana.

Cut 5 (11) “…we’re battling.”

Joining Nungesser on this trip are representatives of the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana and nine parish tourism partners. Nungesser says they’ve been to Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City meeting with government and tourism officials, tour operators and media.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51^st state of the United States, but Nungesser that kind of talk has rubbed Canadians the wrong way.

Cut 6 (10) “…in Canada.”

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Homes and businesses located in unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish will receive a 35-percent discount on their flood insurance premiums when their policies renew after October 1^st. Maggie Talley, Jefferson Parish’s director of floodplain management and hazard mitigation, says thousands of policyholders are receiving this big discount because FEMA has recognized the parish’s flood mitigation efforts.

Cut 7 (07) “…35-percent savings.”

The discount is currently 25-percent, and it’s increasing to 35-percent. Tally says over the years, the parish has made upgrades in drainage, improved the pumping systems and adopted stronger building codes.

Cut 8 (08) “…flood damages.”

Jefferson officials say the bigger discount will save residents over 12-million dollars a year. Talley says Jefferson Parish is one of only 11 communities nationwide to reach the Class 3 level in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System.

Cut 9 (09)  “…class rating.”

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The Trump administration is allocating more than 400-million dollars in additional federal funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling University President Dr. Martin Lemelle says that’s over and above the funding the schools received in the previous fiscal year, and part of that money would go towards the Title Three program.

Cut 10 (15) “…and graduate students.”

Dr. Lemelle says part of that money would be used to upgrade facilities at the university.

Cut 11 (15) “…as enhance infrastructure.”

Lemelle says some of that money could also go towards ensuring students’ academic success.

Cut 12 (11) “…opportunity to succeed.”

The schools haven’t decided how the money will be divided among them yet. The money for the HBCUs is being redirected from other grants, mostly from the government’s Hispanic-Serving Institution program, which offers grants to colleges and universities where at least a quarter of undergraduates are Hispanic.

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This week, the Fed dropped interest rates by a quarter point and indicated that there may be two more rate cuts by the end of the year. So what does that mean for consumers like you and me? Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says if you’re hoping that the rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the rate cut.”

Narayanan says the interest rates that the Fed sets affect how banks borrow from one another and do not have an immediate direct impact on the interest rates that consumers pay. As such, he says the rate cut will also have no immediate impact on other types of interest.

Cut 14 (10) “…by credit risk.”

Narayanan says the Fed issued the rate cut in response to weakness in the job market. But he says it’s a tough balancing act – while unemployment is up, it becomes a different situation when inflation also rises.

Cut 15 (11) “…spending slow down.”

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Louisiana Tech played both quarterbacks Trey Kukuk (Q-Kuhk) and Blake Baker in the dominant 49-14 win over New Mexico State. The sophomore Baker threw for 182 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says that the Bulldogs will continue to play both, but he was impressed with Baker’s ability to extend plays with his legs.

Cut 16 (20) “…scramble drill.”

Louisiana Tech’s offensive line struggled to protect the quarterback in the first couple of games, but limited New Mexico State to just one sack last week. Cumbie says he is proud of the growth from the entire unit and says the Bulldogs have to continue getting better with protection as it faces a dangerous Southern Mississippi pass rush on Saturday.

Cut 17 (20)  “…the quarterback.”

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LSU has been struggling to mesh on the offensive line through the first three games of the season, specifically with creating holes in the run game. The Tigers have sufficed in pass protection, but only average nearly 110 yards a game on the ground. Head coach Brian Kelly says the group is still working to become more technically sound as a unit.

Cut 18 (15) “…tails off.”

Through just the first three games, LSU has only allowed three offensive touchdowns to opposing offenses. The Tigers intercepted D-J Lagway five times and limited Florida’s offense to no second half points. Sophomore linebacker Davhon Keys credited the defense’s early success to being in Blake Baker’s scheme for a second-straight season.

Cut 19 (17) “…having fun.”

LSU will host Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday before it gets to the meat of its SEC schedule. The Tigers’ mantra for the entire season is to go 1-and-0 every week, and Keys reiterates focusing on one opponent at a time.

Cut 20 (15) “…the future.”

This week, the Fed dropped interest rates by a quarter point and indicated that there may be two more rate cuts by the end of the year. So what does that mean for consumers like you and me? Rajesh Narayanan (rah-JESH na-RYE-an), a professor of finance at LSU, says if you’re hoping that the rate cut will mean a lower rate on your mortgage, think again.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the rate cut.”

New Orleans’ bid to bring the Super Bowl back to the city in 2031 could be in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state missed a key deadline to bid on the game, since negotiations on a lease extension for the Superdome are still ongoing. Greg Bensel with the Saints says the team, the city and the state want to bring the Super Bowl back to New Orleans — and the feeling is shared by the NFL.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the NFL.”

New Orleans has hosted the Super Bowl 11 times.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is forecast to become just the second hurricane of 2025. But like the first one, Erin, it’s expected to stay well clear of the U.S. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s because of what’s known as the “Bermuda High,” which is making this year’s hurricane season very reminiscent of those of 1951 and 1952.

Cut 7 (11) “…the northern Gulf.”

A major milestone for the I-20 project in Bossier City, as the project marks two years since reconstruction got underway. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchahan says the roadway had not been rebuilt since it was first constructed in the 1960s and had outlived its usefulness.

Cut 9 (08)  “…all with new.”

Completion is just a few months away.

LSU’s offense has struggled to get in the end zone so far this season, scoring only four touchdowns in its first three games. The Tigers rank 107^th in the country in scoring offense, averaging just 20 points a game. Sophomore running back Ju’Juan Johnson says that the offense has to improve, but the group is still very confident in its ability to score.

Cut 18 (15) “…of confidence.”

Brett McMurphy of On3 reports that the SEC will announce its 9-game 2026 schedule and each team’s 3 rivalry opponents on Tuesday.

Saints starting left guard Trevor Penning is showing positive progress toward making his season debut in Seattle this weekend. Penning has been sidelined since the beginning of the preseason after suffering a turf-toe injury against the Chargers. Penning practiced at a limited capacity on Wednesday.

The Saints are looking to get in the win column on Sunday as the team hits the road for the first time this season to Seattle to face the Seahawks. Quarterback Spencer Rattler says that the offense has to make sure its communication is effective in what will be a hostile environment.

CUT 22 (11): “the huddle.”

New Orleans’ chances of hosting the Super Bowl in 2031 are in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state have missed a key deadline to bid on hosting the game that year, which is the earliest that the Super Bowl can return to the city – sites for the next three Super Bowls have already been established, and the Super Bowl in 2030 conflicts with Mardi Gras. Greg Bensel with the Saints says it is of utmost importance for New Orleans to land the Super Bowl in 2031. Bensel says that they are trying to make that happen.

Cut 5 (07) “…the NFL.”

New Orleans’ quest to host the Super Bowl in 2031 is in jeopardy, but all hope is not lost.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A Laplace man has pleaded to guilty to the 2016 murder of a Raising Cain’s manager in Kenner. Authorities say surveillance video shows Joshua Every stabbing 21-year-old Taylor Friloux multiple times during a robbery. Every avoids a trial by pleading guilty and the possibility of receiving the death penalty.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the Eastern Atlantic, and it’s forecast to become just the second hurricane of 2025. Like the first one, Erin, it’s expected to stay well clear of the U.S. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s because of what’s known as the “Bermuda High.”

Cut 6 (12) “…the East Coast.”

Today marks two years since the 128-million dollar rehabilitation project of Interstate 20 in Bossier City began. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says she understands drivers’ frustrations with the long-term construction zone; but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Cut 10 (12) “…early next year.”

Buchanan says so far they’ve used 20-thousand tons of asphalt and 160-thousand square yards of concrete pavement.

New Orleans’ chances of hosting the Super Bowl in 2031 are in serious jeopardy. The Saints and the state have missed a key deadline to bid on hosting the game that year, which is the earliest that the Super Bowl can return to the city. Greg Bensel with the Saints says the big holdup has been the ongoing negotiations on a lease extension for the state-owned Superdome.

Cut 3 (10) “…is very close.”

A major milestone for the I-20 project in Bossier City, as the project marks two years since reconstruction got underway. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchahan says the project should be completed either by the end of this year or by February of next year. Until then, there are still a few major things left to do.

Cut 11 (10) “…currently being paved.”

We could be just a few short weeks away from being out of hurricane danger for 2025 and we can thank a Bermuda High. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Longtime Lafayette Prosecutor Gary Haynes is convicted on all counts in his federal bribery case. Haynes was found guilty of conspiring to solicit bribes and kickbacks during his time at the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The jury took less than three hours to render its verdict. Haynes faces up to 65 years in federal prison.

The Saints want to host the Super Bowl again in 2031, but the team needs to extend its lease for the Superdome with the state beyond the current deal, which expires in 2030. Team spokesperson Greg Bensel says they are trying to make that happen…

Cut 5 (07) “…in the NFL”

Bensel is hopeful a new lease agreement can be announced with the state in a few days.

There are several major projects underway at LSU. Interim President Matt Lee says the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building will open next year, and the school is also working to meet the housing demand, given record enrollment.

Cut 12 (13) “…modern academic centerpiece.”

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is expected to become a hurricane early next week, but just like Erin earlier this year, it will stay out in the middle of the Atlantic. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a weak Bermuda high is keeping these storms away from the United States…

Cut 8 (12) “…Atlantic Ocean”

2015 was the last time the U-S did not have a hurricane make landfall along its coast.

A major milestone for the I-20 project in Bossier City, as the project marks two years since reconstruction got underway. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchahan says the roadway had not been rebuilt since it was first constructed in the 1960s and had outlived its usefulness.

Cut 9 (08)  “…all with new.”

Buchanan says construction could wrap up late this year or early next year.